Overview

Episode Theme:
This episode of "Your Money Minute" with CNBC’s Jessica Ettinger focuses on effective strategies and technological tools to save money on holiday gifts, particularly when shopping online. The discussion includes real-world tactics involving AI, promo codes, cashback services, and credit card rewards—all aimed at helping consumers stretch their budgets during the busiest shopping season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI Tools for Finding Promo Codes

• Ask AI for Promo Codes:

  • If you're shopping online and lack a discount promo code, Jessica Ettinger suggests:

    "If you're buying something online and you don't have a promo code for a discount, ask AI." (Jessica Ettinger, 00:06)

  • Modern AI tools and plug-ins can search for valid promo codes, helping shoppers save easily.

• Expert Insight:

  "They're searching for promo codes using these tools to help stretch their budget."
  (Kayla Schwartz, Salesforce, 00:14)

2. AI-Assisted Budgeting and Planning

• Broader Use of AI in Shopping:
  • Kayla Schwartz points out the increasing use of AI not just for discounts, but for budgeting and planning purchases:

    "They're budgeting using these applications. So there's a wide array of shopping applications that consumers have been leveraging these tools for."
    (Kayla Schwartz, 00:25)

3. Savvy Purchasing Timing & Inventory Considerations

• Buy When You See It:
  • Jessica shares advice from retail experts:

    "You should buy an item when you see it. Tariffs have forced many retailers to be thoughtful and conservative when it comes to how much inventory they've bought."
    (Jessica Ettinger, 00:34)

  • Due to limited stocks (partially caused by tariffs), waiting for sales could mean missing out, especially on popular items.

4. Using Cashback Services Wisely

• Rakuten Tips:
  • Cashback platforms like Rakuten offer savings, but Jessica warns:

    "Read to see whether the item you're buying is actually part of the cash back. Best Buy, for example, has the popular Nintendo Switch 2, but you won’t get cash back on that with Rakuten."
    (Jessica Ettinger, 00:47)

  • Not all products are eligible, so always verify before purchase.

5. When Prices Are Uniform

• Leveraging Credit Card Rewards:
  • For hot items that cost the same everywhere, Jessica suggests:

    "One of the only ways to save on an item that’s the same price everywhere is simply by using your own 2% cash back credit card to realize at least a little something."
    (Jessica Ettinger, 01:03)

  • Stacking credit card rewards with other discounts can maximize savings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you're buying something online and you don't have a promo code for a discount, ask AI."
  — Jessica Ettinger (00:06)

• "They're searching for promo codes using these tools to help stretch their budget."
  — Kayla Schwartz (00:14)

• "You're budgeting using these applications. So there's a wide array of shopping applications that consumers have been leveraging these tools for."
  — Kayla Schwartz (00:25)

• "Best Buy, for example, has the popular Nintendo Switch 2, but you won’t get cash back on that with Rakuten."
  — Jessica Ettinger (00:47)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:00-00:14]: Intro & Using AI for promo codes (Jessica Ettinger)
• [00:14-00:34]: Kayla Schwartz on AI’s broader role in budgeting and shopping
• [00:34-00:47]: Inventory constraints and purchase timing advice (Ettinger)
• [00:47-01:03]: Rakuten cashback caveats and Best Buy’s Nintendo Switch 2 example (Ettinger)
• [01:03-01:16]: Using 2% cashback credit cards for universally priced items (Ettinger)

Summary Flow

This quick but information-packed episode arms listeners with actionable tips for smarter holiday gift shopping. Through expert commentary and current shopping insights, Jessica Ettinger and Kayla Schwartz demonstrate how AI tools and careful strategy can lead to real savings—whether it’s hunting down promo codes, planning purchases, or stacking rewards. The guidance is timely, practical, and sharply focused on helping consumers make the most of every online purchase.